Candy's Going Bad
Golden Earring Lyrics


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Candy took the pearls, got ahead of the girls
Got on top and found the secret entrance
Are you satisfied?
Through neon doors, 'cross killing floors
She got sucked into a champagne desert
Are you satisfied?

Daddy said: I'll break your bones
If you come home dressed in Peacock clothes
Mother said: quit the show
She didn't want the neighbors to know
Candy had to quit the show

Well, Candy didn't care, when she started her affair
With the studs and the mares of the night
Are you satisfied?
Teddy knows the rule, of the underground school
He's got Candy wrapped 'round his finger
Are you satisfied?

Daddy said: I'll break your bones
If you don't get your tricks off the phone
Mother said: quit the show
She didn't want the neighbors to know

Candy's going bad, got a room to let
Candy's going bad, got a pimp named Ted
Candy's going bad, Long Green's where it's at
Candy's going bad, she got stars in her head

Candy took the pearls, got ahead of the girls
Got on top and found the secret entrance
Are you satisfied?

Daddy said: I'll break your bones
If you come home dressed in Peacock clothes
Mother said: quit the show
I don't want the neighbors to know

Candy's going bad, got a room to let
Candy's going bad, got a pimp named Ted
Candy's going bad, Long Green's where it's at
Candy's going bad, she got stars in her head





Candy's going bad, got a room to let
Candy's going bad, she got stars in her head

Overall Meaning

The song "Candy's Going Bad" by Golden Earring tells the story of a young woman named Candy who decides to live life on her own terms. She takes control of her life, leaving her restrictive family behind and delving into the underground world of the city. She becomes involved with Teddy, a powerful figure in the underground scene with whom she seemingly falls in love. Candy's parents, however, disapprove of her new lifestyle, leading to tension between her and her family. Despite their warnings, Candy continues down her path, ultimately becoming a prostitute and developing a drug addiction.


The lyrics paint a picture of a young woman who wants more out of life than what her parents are willing to give her. She rebelled against their expectations and found herself exploring the city's underground. As she is seduced by the glitter and excitement of the underground, she becomes involved with a pimp named Teddy, who manipulates and controls her. Even though there are warning signs that this path will end badly, Candy is determined to keep going.


The song can be read as a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting too caught up in a bright and shiny world that ultimately leads to a path of darkness and destruction. But it can also be seen as a story of empowerment, of someone taking control of their own life and making choices, even if the choices are difficult.


Line by Line Meaning

Candy took the pearls, got ahead of the girls
Candy outsmarted the other girls and took the valuable pearls.


Got on top and found the secret entrance
She reached the top and discovered a hidden path.


Are you satisfied?
Asking if the listener is content with the story so far.


Through neon doors, 'cross killing floors
She passed through illuminated doors to reach dangerous areas.


She got sucked into a champagne desert
She got caught up in a situation where she was offered endless luxury but no way out.


Daddy said: I'll break your bones
The father threatened to use violence if Candy didn't comply with his wishes.


If you come home dressed in Peacock clothes
The father didn't want Candy to wear flashy clothing or stand out in any way.


Mother said: quit the show
The mother wanted Candy to stop her current lifestyle and change her ways.


She didn't want the neighbors to know
The mother was concerned about the family's reputation and how the community perceived them.


Candy had to quit the show
Candy was forced to give up her current profession and lifestyle.


Well, Candy didn't care, when she started her affair
Candy was indifferent when she began her corrupted relationship.


With the studs and the mares of the night
She was involved with individuals who were involved in shady and immoral activities.


Teddy knows the rule, of the underground school
Teddy is knowledgeable in the laws of the underground world.


He's got Candy wrapped 'round his finger
Teddy has complete power and control over Candy.


If you don't get your tricks off the phone
The father demanded that Candy stop her questionable phone calls.


Candy's going bad, got a room to let
Candy is heading towards a dark path and is now without a home.


Candy's going bad, got a pimp named Ted
Candy is now under the control of a pimp called Ted.


Long Green's where it's at
Long Green refers to a place where illegal activities are taking place.


Candy's going bad, she got stars in her head
Candy has grand dreams and ambitions, but they are unrealistic and will lead her down a dark path.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRY HAY, GEORGE KOOYMANS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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